A review by literatehedgehog
Heart of a Samurai by Margi Preus

3.0

Based on a true story, historical adventure. The adventure themes are classic kid-favorites - shipwreck, dreams of being a warrior (samurai specifically), sailing (whaling, which is almost pirate-adjacent), even a splash of farm life and pre-teen bullies. That being said, the style and tone are not in the vein of current adventure writing, no sassy heroines or snarky heroes, no funny sidekicks or quests - but that's the beauty of it being realistic and historical fiction!
I wouldn't say it's the best crossover for fans of fantasy adventure or middle grade quest series, more for fans of historical fiction who want a little more danger and worldliness.